The results of the hotly contested La Plata Electric Association board election were announced Wednesday at the co-op’s annual meeting, revealing a district-by-district divide in what LPEA members want for the co-op’s future.
In District 1, which covers Archuleta County, Dusty Mars won 59% of the 1,814 votes, unseating two-term incumbent Holly Metzler.
In District 2, which includes the southern and western parts of La Plata County, Brad Blake won 67% of the 2,536 votes, defeating Terry Greiner and Greg Barber by a wide margin.
In District 3, which includes much of Durango, two-term incumbent Joe Lewandowski, won 73% of the 2,358 votes, defeating David Peters.
In District 4, which covers the northern and eastern parts of La Plata County, two-term incumbent John Witchel received 51% of the 2,728 votes, defeating Lyle McKnight.
The central issue this election cycle was LPEA’s planned exit from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, scheduled for April 2026. The move sparked debate over power reliability and affordability, viewed somewhat differently by each of the nine candidates.
Some candidates supported the exit, saying it would lower costs and increase the co-op’s independence. Others opposed it, criticizing the process as lacking transparency and questioning whether the promised benefits would materialize.
The election results appear to reflect a broader political divide between urban and rural areas, mirroring national trends.
Mars and Blake were both endorsed by Common Sense LPEA, a right-leaning group that has opposed the exit.
In contrast, Lewandowski and Witchel strongly supported leaving Tri-State.
More than 200 LPEA members and staff gathered at the LPEA Truck Barn to hear the results announced in person.
Prior to the announcement, board President Ted Compton presented the 2024 board report, then handed the microphone to CEO Chris Hanson to review the year’s highlights.
The highlights included meeting target operating margins and maintaining cash reserves, reporting zero lost-time safety incidents, and finalizing a $13.4 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to help expand LPEA’s solar capacity.
Of the 37,384 eligible voters, 9,446 cast ballots – a 25% turnout that LPEA described as a significant increase from previous elections. The co-op attributed the higher participation to a new online voting option, which was used by 47% of voters.
The newly elected board members will take their seats at the next board meeting, scheduled for June 18, marking the beginning of their three-year terms.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
